Building construction with elongated support member and interfitting panels

ABSTRACT

A collapsible building and a method for contructing the same in situ. The building is comprised of a plurality of separate elements. The elements include a foundation, columns, roof trusses, and side and roof panels. The columns and roof trusses include elongated portions which serve as the juncture for the panels. The panels define the inner and outer surfaces of the roof and sides of the building. The method of contructing the building comprises the steps of setting the foundation, erecting the columns on the foundation, supporting the roof trusses on the columns, sliding roof and side panels into their positions, installing a ridge cap, and sealing the structure.

United States Patent [191 Kuss [451 Apr. 30, 1974 BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONWITH ELONGATED SUPPORT MEMBER AND INTERFITTING PANELS [76] Inventor:Robert S. Kuss, c/o Production Specialties, Inc., West Conshohocken, Pa.19428 [22] Filed: Aug. 16, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 171,896

521 U.S.Cl ..s2/2,52/93,52/492, 52/493 511 1m.c|......;..E04b702,E04b1/40 [58 Field of Search 52/492, 493, 461,472, 52/404,407, 406, 2

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/1926 Porbeck 52/406 3/1956Greulich 52/404 X 11/1962 Blaszkowski 52/2 12/1970 Downing, Jr 52/493FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 250,639 Austria 52/497 2/1970 Canada52/461 7/1959 Germany ..52/2

Primary ExaminerAlfred C. Perham Attorney, Agent, or FirmSeidel, Gonda &

Goldhammer ABSIRACT A collapsible building and a method for contructingthe same in situ. The building is comprised of a plurality of separateelements. The elements include a foundation, columns, roof trusses, andside and roof panels. The columns and roof trusses include elongatedportions which serve as the juncture for the panels. The panels definethe inner and outer surfaces of the roof and sides of the building.

The method of contructing the building comprises the steps of settingthe foundation, erecting the columns on the foundation, supporting theroof trusses on the columns, sliding roof and side panels into theirpositions, installing a ridge cap, and sealing the structure.

4 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAPR 30 mm 3.807.100

SHEET 2 BF 5 lfbyyf 778 04 51/70 6 ROBERT S. KUSS BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONWITII ELONGATED SUPPORT MEMBER AND INTERFITTING PANELS This inventionrelates to a collapsible building and method for constructing the same,and more particularly to a building construction and method relating tothe use of prepared building elements which can be transported to thebuilding site and there assembled into the building.

It is often desirable to construct a building, for use as either adwelling or for storage which is to have a temporary life. Thus, such abuilding should preferably be constructed of materials that are readilyobtainable and easy to assemble. Preferably, such a building should alsobe relatively easy to disassemble for use at a later time at a differentsite.

Advantageously, such a building could be designed in advance, with allof the elements comprising its construction assembled together at thebuilding site so that a crew of relatively inexperienced and unskilledpersonnel could assemble it.

Such a building would have to be comprised of components which are lightwhen taken individually, however, when assembled together to form aunitary building they must make a strong structure that is capable ofwithstanding heavy loads such as storage loads, snow loads, wind loadsand the like. Additionally, the building must be impervious to moistureand should be relatively easy to insulate.

Thus, one aspect of the invention relates to a method forming a surfaceof a building or the like which comprises providing a plurality ofelongated members defining generally outwardly facing channels, andplacing them in generally spaced parallel relation with respect to eachother. Then, a plurality of members defining the surface to beconstructed are provided. Each of the members have depending legs alongopposite edges thereof which are arranged in overlying relation to theaforementioned channels so that the legs are received within thechannels. Then, the legs are urged into close association with the sidewalls of the channels so that they are contacted thereby and heldcloselytherewith so that the members define the surface.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a unique framing member whichcomprises an elongated platform which defines two outwardly projectingarms. On the platform are two upwardly and inwardly directed oppositelyfacing elongated walls, each of the walls having an outwardly extendingarm at its free end.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a building constructioncomprising a panel having inner and outer walls. Each of the walls havedepending legs which are in close contact with each other to form panellegs. The panels are connected to a channel in side by side relationwith a depending leg on each panel received within said channel. Meansare provided for urging the panel legs into close contact with thechannels.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a frame for a collapsiblebuilding which comprisesouter columns defining a perimeter and innercolumns disposed linearly within the perimeter. Means are provided forinterconnecting at least two of the inner columns. Roof trusses areprovided for spanning between the inner columns and the interconnectingmeans to define a roof for the building and the roof trusses areprovided with latching means for releasably connecting 'them with someof the inner and outer columns.

The invention also relates to a support for a collapsible building whichcomprises a foundation comprised of a plurality of separable memberswith an upwardly extending leg supported by the members.

Further, the invention also relates to a roof for a collapsible buildingwhich comprises a plurality of roof trusses which are supported at eachof their ends. Each of the roof trusses includes an upwardly facingchannel. Roofing members in the form of panels with depending legs areslidably received in each of the channels defining adjacent rooftrusses. Means are provided to be positioned within the roof trusschannels to hold the panels in fixed relation thereto.

Still another aspect of the invention relates to a side panel and roofpanel construction for a collapsible building comprising a plurality ofcolumns, each of which support one end of a roof truss and means forsupporting the other end of each roof truss. The outwardly facingsurfaces on the columns and the up wardly facing surfaces on the rooftrusses define channel members which slidably receive the side panelsand roof panels of a collapsible building.

Still further, this invention relates to a roof panel for a collapsiblebuilding which comprises an elongated open ended member with capsclosing each of the ends. The caps are provided with hooking means forhooking onto an adjacent roof panel. One of the ends of the roof panelhas an outwardly extending shingle.

Finally, the invention relates to a method of constructing a collapsiblebuilding comprising the steps of erecting a plurality of outer columns,providing means for supporting one end of a plurality of roof trusses,mounting elongated roof trusses so that they span between said columnsand said means for supporting one end, and then sliding roof panels intoengagement with said roof trusses and side panels into engagement withsaid columns so that said side panels constrain said roof panels on saidtrusses.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a novel andunobvious method for constructing a collapsible building.

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel and unobviouscollapsible building.

It is still another object of this invention to provide novel andunobvious elements which may be assembled to construct a collapsiblebuilding.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from adetailed description of presently preferred forms thereof which will bedescribed with respect to the attached drawings wherein,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible building constructed inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the structure shown in FIG.2.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a gasket utilized in connection with theabove-noted invention.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are views taken at details 5 and 6 on FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the portion of the framework of thecollapsible building illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the base of one of the outer columnsshown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the upper portion of one of the outercolumns illustrated in FIG. 7 and its manner of connection to the rooftruss.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an inner column and a roof truss.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken on line 11-11 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

Referring now to FIG. 1 for a detailed description of the presentinvention, a collapsible building 10 constructed in accordance therewithis illustrated. The collapsible building may comprise a plurality ofwalls with a roof overlying them. The walls and roof are formed fromwall panels 11 and roof panels 12. It may include a floor or have afloor comprised of natural materials. All of its surfaces and itsunderlying framework may be constructed in accordance with the presentmethod and apparatus.

As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the collapsible building is built on afoundation 14 which is comprised of a plural ity of separate members 16.Each of the foundation members'is generally T-shaped in cross sectionhaving a base 18 defining a downwardly facing flat surface 20 which isadapted to rest on the ground and an elongated upwardly extending leg 24disposed longitudinally thereof. When the separable members 16comprising the foundation are arranged to define a perimeter, all of theupwardly extending legs 24 are in alignment with respect to each other.When the foundation is laid, caulking or other sealing means may beinterposed between surface 20 and the ground.

The corner members of the foundation (not shown), i.e., those which turnto form the ends of the building have angularly shaped elongated membersso that each of the upstanding legs thereon lies in the plane of one ofthe walls of the building.

Each of the seperable foundation members 16 may be provided withopenings disposed at regular spaced intervals therealong. Threaded bolts28 or other fasteners may be inserted through those openings in anupward direction. Alternatively, the bolts may be formed with thefoundation members.

A plurality of outer columns 30 are mounted at regular intervals alongthe foundation. Each of the columns include a base 32 (FIG. 8) and anupper portion 34 (FIG. 9). v

Each of the column bases 32 comprises two generally triangularly shapedside walls 38 in spaced parallel relation with respect to each otherthat are interconnected by a web or front wall 40. The front wall 40slopes upwardly and rearwardly to follow the line of the side walls.

An elongated component 42 of each outer column is supported by the frontand side walls of the base and may be held there by fasteners 44 such asrivets or bolts.

The bases 30 are supported at regular intervals along the foundation.Each of the bases has an anchoring collar 48 which is welded orotherwise fastened to the base. The anchoring collar comprises a flatplate 50 with a plurality of openings for receiving the upwardlydirected bolts 28. Each flat plate 50 includes an upwardly directedflange 52 which bears against upwardly extending leg 24 and anoverhanging lip 54 resting on the edge of leg 24.

As can best be seen in FIG. 8, when anchoring collar 48 is bolted to thefoundation members 16, the base 30 is held securely against upwardlyextending leg 24.

The bases 30 form the lower portion of outer columns 56 (FIG. 7). Theintermediate portion 58 of an outer column is generally rectangular incross section. The upper portion 34 of the outer column, best seen inFIG. 9, comprises two upwardly and outwardly directed generallytriangular side walls 62 which are interconnected by a front wall 64.The front-wall slopes upwardly and outwardly. An outer support surface66 defined by a horizontally disposed plate is supported by upperportion 34. The upper portion and base of the outer columns areconnected by elongated component 42. Component 42 is rectangular incross section (F IO. 11) and comprises a front wall 70, a rear wall 72and side walls 74.

Each of the rear walls 72 is provided with a centrally positioned,outwardly facing generally channel-like member 76 which comprises twooutwardly directed and generally converging spaced side walls 78. Eachof the side walls 78 supports an elongated outwardly directed upper arm80 at its free end. The ends of the upper arms 80 are provided withenlarged bulbous end portions 82.

As explained above, the outer columns are arranged at regular spacedintervals along the perimeter of the building. Thus, the channel-likemembers 76 function as joints between adjacent side panels 11 in amanner which will be described below.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 10, a plurality of inner columns 86 are shownarranged in regularly spaced linear relation within the perimeter of thebuilding. The inner columns 86 support the central portion of thebuilding roof. Each of the inner columns 86 is an elongated generallyrectangular element having a base 88 which is supported on the ground.Its free end carries a plate 90. The plate may be bolted to twoelongated beams 91 which are in end-to end relation to form aninterconnection means 92 between adjacent columns 86. Thus, the junctureof adjacent interconnection means 92 is at the midpoint ofaforementioned plates and the plates are bolted thereto in order toperfect the connection.

Disposed at regular intervals along the interconnection means 92 are aplurality of inner support surfaces 94 which are formed by plates withbolt holes therein. The plates may be either welded, riveted orotherwise fastened to the interconnection means 92. Some of the platesmay overlie the juncture of beams 92 and must be bolted thereto afterthe beams are installed.

It is to be appreciated that the distance between adjacent inner columnmembers 86 may be substantially greater than the distance betweenadjacent outer column members (FIG. 7). Thus the inner support surfaces94 serve as connection points for the roof trusses in a manner whichwill be described.

The roof trusses 96 can best be described by referring to FIGS. 7, 9 and10. Each of the trusses is comprised of spaced elongated upper and lowermembers 98 and 100. The upper and lower elongated members may be heldspaced from each other by a plurality of braces 101. In the alternative,other means may be used. However, bracing such as that illustrated hasbeen proven to be satisfactory for the intended purposes of this device.The lower elongated member 100 is generally T- shaped and has a fiatbase 102 with an upstanding centrally disposed leg 104. Secured to thebase 102 at its ends are inner and outer truss latching means whichcomprise downwardly depending hook members 106 and 108.

The upper elongated member 98 is comprised of an elongated generallychannel-like member. Thus, when the trusses are supported to define theroof, the channel-like. members serve as a plurality of regularly spacedjoints for supporting roof panels in a manner which will be described.

The upper elongated members 98 support inner and outer reaction plates110 and 112 at their opposite ends. The reaction plates may be anglemembers havin g horizontally disposed surfaces adapted to mate with theaforementioned inner support surfaces 94 and outer support surfaces 66(FIGS. 9 and The inner and outer support surfaces and their respectivereaction plates may be bolted together or connected by any suitablereleasable fastening means.

Both the outer columns and the inner columns 86 are provided with innerand outer latching means. The inner latching means include a collar 120which may be secured to the side walls of the inner columns 86 and whichhas its end walls spaced from the front and rear walls of those columnsto define a recess 124 between the collar and its respective innercolumn.

In like manner, the outer latching means comprises a collar 118 which issecured to the side walls of the upper portion of the outer column sothat it is spaced from the front wall 64 thereof to define a recess 120.

The aforementioned hook members 106 and 108 are adapted to be slidablyand releasably received in recesses 120 and 124 when the reaction platesrest against the inner and outer support surfaces. Thus, the trusses maybe arranged along the perimeter in regularly spaced relation and can beeasily disassembled when desired.

As explained above, the upper elongated member on each of the trusssections defines a joint whereby a plurality of roof panels can bereceived and supported by adjacent truss sections.

To this extent, the upper elongated member 98 of each truss memberincludes a downwardly depending leg 132 which is connected to the lowerelongated member 100.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, downwardly depending leg 132 supports twooppositely directed outwardly extending arms 136. Each of the arms 136includes an enlarged bulbous portion 138 at its ends (FIG. 2). The uppersurface 140 of each of the outwardly extending arm is substantiallyhorizontal and functions as a support in a manner which will bedescribed. Each of the aforementioned outwardly extending arms 136 supports an upwardly and inwardly directed leg 144 having an inwardlyfacing surface 146. The upwardly directed legs 144 are in spacedrelation to each other. They are disposed on opposite sides of theaforementioned web 178. leg 132 so that a web 148 is definedtherebetween. The relationship of the aforementioned legs 144 and web148 may be considered to be a channel.

Each of the upwardly and inwardly directed legs 144 supports anoutwardly extending upper arm 150 at its free end. The upper arms 150comprise flat horizontal upper surfaces 152 which terminate in enlargedbulbous end portions 154. Each set of outwardly extending lower arms 136and upper arms define a generally C-shaped recess 156 therebetween.

While it is preferred that the entire framing member be prepared as acontinuous extrusion with each of the elements defining itsconfiguration extending for its entire length, it is apparent that thedepending legs 132 may only be provided where it is necessary for themto be supported by a truss brace 101 or other member. Thus, a series ofplates could be used. On the other hand, it should be noted that leg 132increases the resistance of the upper elongated member to bending aboutits horizontal bending axis.

Thus, it is apparent that the upper elongated member explained in detailin FIGS. 2 and 3 has essentially the .same cross section as that whichis carried on the back wall of the outer column and illustrated in FIG.11.

Because these joints have essentially the same cross section, the use ofa modular as a wall and roof panels is made possible. Accordingly, suchpanels are illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, l1 and 12. However, an explanationof the structure of these panels will be confined to FIGS. 2, 3 and 12.Each of the panels comprises an inner surface means 160 which definesthe ceiling or inside wall of the collapsible building and an outer wallmeans 161 which may define the roof or the outside side walls of thestructure.

Each of the inner surface means 160 is defined by a web 162 which willspan between adjacent joints on the roof trusses or outer columns. Attheir ends, the webs 162 include generally upstanding L-shaped portions163 which merge into curved elements 164 and flat faces 166. Each of theflat faces supports a downwardly and outwardly directed depending leg168. At its lower edge, each of the depending legs includes a reversebent support portion which will be described herein in detail.

Thus, it can be seen that web 162 defines the inner surface of a wall orroof panel contemplated by this invention.

If desired a suitable elongated member 174 preferably comprised ofthermal insulation material may be disposed within the reverse bentportion 170. Alternatively, the thermal insulation material may bebonded to an element as set forth below.

As seen generally in FIGS. 2 and 3 the outer wall means 161 comprises aweb 178 adapted to be disposed in overlying spaced relation toaforementioned web 162 so that a space 179 is formed therebetween. Thatspace may be left void and function as a dead air insulation zone or itmay be filled with suitable insulation materials. The web 178 has adownwardly depending leg 180 at each of its ends to be received withinthe channels defined by the joints on the roof trusses and outercolumns. 1

Upon closer inspection, web 178 is seen to be comprised of a lower web184 witha downwardly and outwardly depending leg 186. That leg isreceived within the aforementioned reverse bent portion 170 of leg 168and rests upon the strip of the insulation material 174. The insulatingmaterial may be adhesively bonded to leg 186 to simplify construction.It should be observed that leg 186 is relatively long with respect toleg 168 so that there is a substantial distance between the upper andlower webs.

Lower web 184 supports an upper web 190 which carries a depending leg192. Upper and lower webs 184 and 190 are in close relation with eachother as shown in FIG. 3. However, leg 192 does not come-into contactwith reverse bent portion 170.

Thus, the inner surface means 160 and the outer wall means 161 arethermally isolated from each other to the extent that there is nophysical contact therebetween.

As explained above, the cross sections of the members defining the roofand side panels are identical. However, in longitudinal section they aredistinct. Thus, as seen in FIG. 12, the side panels 11 are closed byupper and lower end caps 200. Each end cap is provided with gaskets 202which may be elongated rectangular members positioned along that surfaceof the end cap adjacent web 178. I

Each of the roof panels have end caps 208 and 21 which support mutuallyengaging latching means 212 and 214. Thus, latching means 212 comprisesan outwardly directed and downwardly facing hook 216 while latchingmeans 214 comprises an outwardly extending and upwardly facing hook 218.On the roof panels, the upper web 178 extends longitudinally beyond theend cap 210 to form a shingle 222. A gasket 224 is positioned below theshingle against end cap 210. The opposite end cap 208 is provided withan outwardly protruding rib 226. Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 12, thetwo hooks 216 and 218 engage each other so that adjacent roof panels,when disposed in end to end relation are held together. Thisrelationship is augmented by the fact that gasket 224 is firmly engagedeither by rib 226 on the adjacent end cap 208 or by the corner of theside panel. Thus, an effective seal is created between the ad jacentroof panels and the roof panel and the side panel.

Obviously one long roof panel could be used instead of the two panelsdescribed.

A ridge cap assembly 232 is provided for the collapsible building. Asseen in FIGS. 12 and 13 the ridge cap assembly 232 comprises a pluralityof elongated V shaped members 234 which are placed in end to endrelation along the ridge of the building and lie along the uppersurfaces of the roof panels. The elongated members are supported by a.plurality of first members 236 which have generally U-shaped legs 237which are received in the channel portion of the roof trusses. TheU-shaped legs 237 span the ridge of the building so that they areconnected to the roof trusses on each side thereof. Attached to each ofthe legs 237 is a rectangular spacer 238. The spacers extend a shortdistance on both sides of the roof trusses along the ridge.

The elongated members 234 include downwardly directed ends 235 which areengageable over the ends of spacers 238. Thus, the elongated members canbe pressed into locking position whereby they seal the ridge.

The entire. building is assembled into a rigid unitary structure by theutilization of suitable expansion means which are received within thejoints defined by the roof trusses, the outer columns, and the ridge capassembly. These means may comprise wedges, spring like devices or otherexpansible members. However, it is preferred that expansible gaskets beused. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 a gasket 246, inflatable by eitherliquid or gaseous material, completely fills the void between facinglegs 192 on the roof and 'side and urges them and their adjoiningstructural members into engagement with the upwardly and inwardly facingwalls on the channel member.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the gasket 246 is comprised of an elongatedresilient air tight member having ends 248 and 250 reinforced with asuitable fabric. One of the ends may be provided with an enlargedbulbous protrusion which supports a suitable fluid inlet and outletvalve 252. As is apparent, the gasket is disposed in the space betweenthe legs of the aforementioned webs. Upon its expansion, it locks thelegs and webs attached thereto to the joint.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the gaskets are sufficiently long so thattheir enlarged bulbous protrusions will extend outwardly past thebuilding line so that the valves may be inflated or deflated as the needrequires. It is apparent that because of the shape of the space betweenadjacent webs, the gasket must be substantially deflated in order toremove it.

All of the elements described may comprise a kit for a collapsiblebuilding. In order to construct the building a foundation 14 is firstprepared. The foundation is comprised of the separable members 16described above. Each of the separable members is arranged so that arectangular perimeter is defined. Corner foundation members, havingL-shaped upstanding legs thereon are used to define the corners of thebuilding.

Then, the outer columns 30 are erected along the perimeter at intervalsdesignated by bolt holes in the foundation. The columns-30 are securedto the foundation by means of collars 48. The ends of the building andthe sides thereof both utilize columns 30.

The inner columns 86 are disposed in generally linear array down what isto be the midportion of the building. As is apparent from an inspectionof FIG. 7, there are substantially less columns 86 than there arecolumns 30.

The inner columns are connected along their free ends by a plurality ofinterconnection members 92. The interconnection members 92 aresufficiently long so that they span from the midpoint of the free end ofone of the inner columns to the midpoint of the free end of the adjacentinner column.

The roof trusses are then mounted into position. As seen in FIG. 9, theouter portion of each truss has its outer reaction plate 112 supportedby outer support surface 66 on the outer column. The hook 108 definingthe truss latching means is received within the recess 120 defined byouter collar 118. The outer portion of the truss, along the ridge of theroof of the building, is supported on inner support surfaces 94 whichare mounted at regular intervals along the connection members 92. At thejuncture of adjacent interconnecting members a support surface 94 isbolted thereto. Thus, a plurality of support surfaces 94 are disposedalong the central axis of the building at regular spaced intervals. Theintervals correspond to the distance between adjacent outer columns 30.The inner portion of the roof trusses are supported by their reactionplates 110 bearing against the inner support surfaces 94. On those rooftrusses which are aligned with an inner column 86, the inner hook 106 onthe roof truss is connected to the recess 124 defined by collar on thecolumn.

Thus, when the trusses are bolted to the support plates, a rigid,unitary building frame is formed. The aforementioned side and roofpanels are then mounted onto the side columns and roof trusses as shownin FIGS. 1, 2, l1 and 12.

Starting at a central portion of the building a first roof panel memberis slidably mounted along the upwardly facing channelfmembers defined byadjacent roof trusses by slipping its legs into the channel members attheir ends adjacent the sides. Before the first roof panel is totallyrecieved within the perimeter of the building it is interconnected to asecond roof panel by means of the aforementioned hooks 216 and 218.Thus, when the second roof panel is slid along the roof trusses, rib 226pinches gasket 224 to form a tight seal. At the same time, shingle 222also overlies the space between adjacent roof panels. Thus, a continuousroof section comprised of both panels is formed. In order to keep thepanels from sliding off the trusses, a side panel such as describedabove, is slipped down into engagement with the channel members definedon two adjacent outer columns as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. When the sidepanels are resting against the bottom of the foundation, their end caps200 are in bearing contact with the gasket 224 on the end cap of theoutermost roof panel while a gasket 202 on the end cap of the sidemembers bears against shingle 222. The bottom end cap has a gasket thatbears against the foundation. This process is repeated on the oppositeset of trusses and columns on the other side of the building and theentire process is continued working outwardly from the center towardeach end.

Panel members similar in construction to the roof and side panelsdescribed herein can be utilized in an identical manner to close off theend of walls of the building.

The ridge cap assembly is installed by placing first members 236 acrossthe roof trusses FIG. 12 and then pressing the elongated members 234over them. The U-shaped legs 237 serve as a gutter across the ridge.

After the building is assembled as described above suitable means areinserted between the legs of adjacent panels in order to lock them intoclose engagement with their respective columns or trusses. As indicatedabove, these means may include wedges or expansible means such aselongated inflatable gaskets or spring loaded devices. When theexpansible means are installed and expanded, the building becomes aunitary structure of substantial strength.

Thus, a building comprising about 4,000 square feet may be assembled inapproximately a day and a half. Such a building can be later knockeddown to be reassembled elsewhere.

It should be noted that the particular elements and their manner ofassembly results in a weather tight building. Thus, each of the roof andside panels is relatively thick with a substantial dead spacetherebetween. This has an effective insulating characteristic.Additionally, gaskets are provided along the junctures of allintersecting members. Finally, the expansible members and theirrelationship to the channels on the roof trusses and columns in whichthey are received results in effective sealing of the panels against thetrusses while at the same time defining gutters so that water or anyother precipitation can be easily shed. Significantly, there can be noentry of water or the like through the ridge cap because of itsassembly.

interior of the building.

Thus, while the invention has been described with reference to oneparticular embodiment thereof it is apparent that many other forms andembodiments would be obvious to persons skilled in the art in view ofthe foregoing specification. Thus, the scope of the claims should not belimited thereby but rather only by the scope of the claims appendedhereto.

1 claim:

1. A surface construction including at least first and second panels andat least one elongated member for extending between said panels and tobe coupled thereto, said elongated member comprising two outwardlydirected, oppositely extending elongated arms, two upwardly directedelongated legs supported on said arms in spaced parallel relation toeach other, at least one elongated outwardly extending member supportedby each of said upwardly directed elongated legs at its free end andbeing substantially coextensive therewith, each of said panelscomprising inner surface means and outer wall means, said inner surfacemeans comprising a first web, said first web including opposed generallyupstanding portions at its ends to be adjacent said elongated member,said upstanding portions supporting substantially flat faces, each ofsaid substantially flat faces supporting a downwardly and outwardlydirected leg the lower edge of which comprises a reverse bend, saidsubstantially flat faces and said downwardly and outwardly directed legsbeing engageable with one of said upwardly directed legs and one of saidoutwardly directed members on said elongated member, each of said outerwall means comprising a second web in overlying relation to said web onsaid inner surface means, opposed downwardly and outwardly directed legscoupled to said second web, said last named legs including a free edgewhich is received in said reverse bend, the distance between said secondweb and said free edge being large enough so that said first web andsaid sub stantially flat faces will be spaced from said second web todefine an insulation zone therebetween, means for insulating saiddownwardly and outwardly directed legs on said inner surface means fromsaid downwardly and outwardly directed legs on said outer wall means,said last named means comprising insulating material disposed in saidreverse bend and lying between adjacent legs on each of said panels, andmeans to be disposed between said downwardly and outwardly directed legson said outer wall means on adjacent panels when said panels are inengagement with said upwardly directed legs and said outwardly directedarms for urging said legs on said outer wall means apart and intoengagement with their respective members and legs on said elongatedmember.

2. A surface construction as defined in claim 1 wherein said urgingmeans is an elongated member disposed between said second legs.

3. A surface construction as defined in claim 1 wherein said urgingmeans is a wedge.

4. A surface construction as defined in claim 1 wherein said urgingmeans is an inflatable member.

1. A surface construction including at least first and second panels andat least one elongated member for extending between said panels and tobe coupled thereto, said elongated member comprising two outwardlydirected, oppositely extending elongated arms, two upwardly directedelongated leGs supported on said arms in spaced parallel relation toeach other, at least one elongated outwardly extending member supportedby each of said upwardly directed elongated legs at its free end andbeing substantially coextensive therewith, each of said panelscomprising inner surface means and outer wall means, said inner surfacemeans comprising a first web, said first web including opposed generallyupstanding portions at its ends to be adjacent said elongated member,said upstanding portions supporting substantially flat faces, each ofsaid substantially flat faces supporting a downwardly and outwardlydirected leg the lower edge of which comprises a reverse bend, saidsubstantially flat faces and said downwardly and outwardly directed legsbeing engageable with one of said upwardly directed legs and one of saidoutwardly directed members on said elongated member, each of said outerwall means comprising a second web in overlying relation to said web onsaid inner surface means, opposed downwardly and outwardly directed legscoupled to said second web, said last named legs including a free edgewhich is received in said reverse bend, the distance between said secondweb and said free edge being large enough so that said first web andsaid substantially flat faces will be spaced from said second web todefine an insulation zone therebetween, means for insulating saiddownwardly and outwardly directed legs on said inner surface means fromsaid downwardly and outwardly directed legs on said outer wall means,said last named means comprising insulating material disposed in saidreverse bend and lying between adjacent legs on each of said panels, andmeans to be disposed between said downwardly and outwardly directed legson said outer wall means on adjacent panels when said panels are inengagement with said upwardly directed legs and said outwardly directedarms for urging said legs on said outer wall means apart and intoengagement with their respective members and legs on said elongatedmember.
 2. A surface construction as defined in claim 1 wherein saidurging means is an elongated member disposed between said second legs.3. A surface construction as defined in claim 1 wherein said urgingmeans is a wedge.
 4. A surface construction as defined in claim 1wherein said urging means is an inflatable member.